Manchester City in talks over ‘Israeli Cesc Fabregas’ Nir Biton

Israeli Premier League outfit MS Ashdod have confirmed talks are taking place with Manchester City over a deal for talented midfielder Nir Biton, after the 20-year-old impressed on trial.

Negotiating: Mancini is trying to bring Nir Biton to City (Picture: Getty Images)

The news comes after City boss Roberto Mancini was told by the clubs wealthy owners that he would not be given funds to buy players during the January transfer window, and instead must use the loan market if he plans to strengthen his multi-million pound squad.

However, that seems to suit Mancini, who is ready to bolster his midfield options by signing exciting central midfielder Nir Biton from MS Ashdod until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent deal.

Nir Biton (Picture: Getty)

Biton, who has two caps for the Israeli national team, has recently completed a week long trial at City’s Carrington training headquarters, where he impressed, scoring two and assisting Mario Balotelli in a 3-0 training match win.

Mancini has since been coy on the possibility of signing Biton, but Ashdod confirmed talks are progress this week.

Ashdod owner Jacky Ben Zaken explained the negotiations in the Jewish Chronicle, saying: ‘They want to take him on loan immediately and want an option to buy him in the future.’

The two clubs are believed to still be wrangling over an initial loan deal, with Ashdod aware that Everton and Aston Villa have been watching Biton in recent weeks, and could be prepared to buy the player out right this month.

Biton, a deep lying play-maker, has been compared to Barcelona’s former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas .